Patterson Criminal Law Blog

Patterson Law’s criminal law blog is a blog commenting upon topics of interest related to Nova Scotia’s criminal justice system. We hope to address common questions, to help you in your search for answers and provide general information about the legal process.

A downtown Halifax dispensary is challenging Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)’s attempts to enforce a by-law requiring that the dispensary obtain a permit to operate, on the basis that the by-law has the effect of infringing Charter rights.

Cannabis dispensaries in Nova Scotia, unless they are owned and operated by the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) are illegal – for now. Most people have no idea, and many people continue to support local dispensaries, despite the government’s opposition to their operation.